The current Swiss driving licenses are, like official ID cards, in the same format as credit cards. But very soon a newer version will become available. So will it be obligatory to switch?
On June 3rd, the Council of States greenlighted a proposal from the National Council’s Transport Commission for the introduction of an e-license.
According to the Commission, “the requirement to carry physical documents is an outdated concept.”
Instead, “digital identity documents can be seamlessly integrated with online administrative services, significantly simplifying procedures, not only for citizens but also for the authorities.”
Further, “more efficient checks can be carried out with digital documents, which will also contain the same information as the analog version,” according to deputy Esther Friedli.
The notion, however, is not brand-new: over 100,000 electronic driver learner’s permits have been issued in Switzerland since their introduction in 2023.
What’s next?
The adoption of the motion on the legislative level will set the wheels in motion – no pun intended.
The introduction of the digital version is planned for the autumn of 2026.
This means that once it is created and available for use, drivers in Switzerland will be able to remove physical licenses from their wallets and use only the ones displayed on their mobile phones.
However, if you are fond of the credit-card version of the driver’s license and don’t want to part with it, you won’t have to: The digital version is optional, not compulsory, and the physical form will remain valid.
Will foreign residents be able to get the e-license as well?
If you have a Swiss driver’s license, then yes, you can get the digital version as well.
But motorists with licenses issued in other countries will not be able to access the electronic version of the Swiss document,
From paper to plastic to digital
If you have been driving in Switzerland for a while, you likely remember the blue paper version of the license, which was introduced in 1977 and was the only one in use until 2003.
That was when the current plastic model – deemed to offer better protection against counterfeiting – was issued.
However, the paper version remained in use until October 31st, 2024 – the date from which it was no longer valid.
And there’s more on the driver ‘tech’ front
In 2023, Switzerland also introduced an electronic version of its motorway vignette.
Like the future digital driver license, this e-version was also optional, with the original paper stickers remaining valid as well.
As long as motorists have one or another, its form doesn’t matter.